Chinese agricultural expert shares China’s experience in poverty alleviation with Pakistan

China Economic Net

Beijing: Poverty is a huge problem globally, and poverty alleviation has long been a difficult task for the international community. Within a span of 40 years, placing a high priority on poverty issues and investigating various ways to alleviate poverty, the Chinese government has lifted about 800 million people out of absolute poverty, which is a milestone the country has achieved in recent years as well as a miracle in human history.

Zhai Xueling, Director of Market and Trade Research Office, Research Center for Rural Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, shared China’s experience to provide some ideas for poverty alleviation in Pakistan in the latest interview with China Economic Net.
“Based on different cases of poverty-stricken people and areas, in China we adopt five-pronged approach to reach targeted poverty alleviation,” Zhai told CEN.

“First, we suggest develop industries like tourism, fruit farming, etc. in the light of local conditions to promote economic growth and create employment opportunities for people who have the ability to work to increase their incomes. Second, for poor people living in extreme barren and infertile areas, we suggest relocation in a planned way,” Zhai said.

Also, Zhai introduced China’s innovative policy of ‘eco-compensation’ which is a combination of ‘ecological compensation’ and ‘payments for ecosystem services’. Under this policy, compensation in capital, in technology, in kind or preferential policies are given to people living in areas where development opportunities have been lost due to environmental protection to help them out of poverty.

“To liberate people from poverty, we should inspire their aspiration and let them be wise. Therefore, education is crucial. Our national education funding continues to place much emphasis on education in poor areas, elementary education and vocational education, to make people equipped with technology and knowledge,” Zhai said.
In the end, for the poor who have completely or partially lost their ability to work, the social security system covers their basic expenses in daily life.

“China and Pakistan just rang in the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Pakistan, China’s brotherly friend, is also facing the task of alleviating poverty and improving the livelihood of Pakistani people especially the population living in poverty-stricken areas. I sincerely hope China’s experience in poverty reduction could be of help for Pakistan,” Zhai concluded the interview.